Iowa Old Press
The Gazette
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
November 15, 1855
LE CLAIRE HOUSE, LECLAIRE, Iowa,
Nov. 10, 1855
Friend SANDERS:
I have been sojourning for a short time at this well known
and old established hotel, in the young and prosperous city of Le Claire, during
which time I have not been idle in reconnoitering its streets and avenues, and
it is with emotions of the most pleasing kind that I have observed in all places
within its precincts proofs of its prosperity. Favorably situated as it is, on
the west shore of the mighty stream that rolls its pure waters in silent majesty
to mingle in the ocean wave, commanding views that would compare with some of
those we so often read of in romance, healthy beyond question, possessing all
necessary materials in the building line in great abundance, and at prices
cheaper than can be had in other parts of the country, wood and coal at low
rates, containing a population of some 1500 industrious and moral people, I came
to the conclusion that this city would keep pace, if she did not surpass, many
of her sisters in the State that now far exceed her in population. Many fine
brick residences of this year's growth are already occupied, while others still
better are in a state of forwardness.- Fifteen dry good stores, four groceries,
three drug stores, many carpenter, cabinet, blacksmith, tailor, tin and stove
shops, etc., are all here. There are four hotels, all in full blast, and all
said to be well kept - of the LeClaire House I can speak advisedly. A two-horse
ferry boat plies between this city and Port Byron, charging foot passengers a
dime apiece to "row them o'er the waters."
This city is governed by a Mayor and City Council. Judging
from the first sample of their public buildings, one would naturally conclude
they were all Know Nothings. Such a building! "Tis a calaboose, a prison, a
jail, 9 by 12 feet square, to be 8 feet high and built of yellow stone, located
in a deep ravine where mosquitoes, toads, bats, and lizards "most do
congregate."- This is to be a terror, and no doubt will be, to nocturnal
sinners and drinkers of lager beer.
Everything in and around LeClaire looks bright and
prosperous, save alone the public building! The hills are teaming all around
with new and pleasant buildings, situated on eligible sites, still there are
many fine sites yet unoccupied. I cannot close without speaking of
"Prospect Hill." This is one of those beautiful and rare sites on
which to erect a mansion that may be well envied. Its rounding, broad summit may
well claim the title, "Prospect Hill," as from this knoll you have
spread out at your feet a landscape of almost unrivalled beauty. It is now the
property of a widow lady who, at no distant day, will doubtless adorn it with
suitable buildings.
In addition to those buildings already noticed, I may mention
a fine flouring mill in successful operation, and another nearly ready for its
machinery; also, one of the finest saw mills in the country, turning out daily
some 20,000 feet of lumber, besides quantities of shingles and laths. - Success
to LeClaire, her people merit it, and her natural position warrants
it.
E-
MARRIED.
In the Presbyterian Church, on the 13th inst., by the Rev.
J.D. Mason, Mr. G.M. CREPPEN, of LeClaire and Miss HANNAH J REYNOLDS, of this
city.
On the 12th inst., in this city, by Rev. W. B?????, B.F. GUE,
Esq., to Miss E.R. PARKER, all of this county.